If/should... INVERSION FORM


Sentence: Don't worry, I've bought an extra ticket for the show should you decide to come at the last minute.


In this sentence, is 'if you decided' also right (instead of 'should you decide', obviously)? Or do you have to use the inversion form with 'should'?



Answer



There are a few alternatives preferable to the unnecessarily awkward future-past tense of "if you decided":



  1. "in [the] case [that] you decide"

  2. "if you should decide" (a bit redundant, but still preferable)

  3. "if you were to decide"


The first (without the parentheticals) is by far the most natural expression in American English. Your original "should you decide" might be the most natural in British English.


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